‘Banking Genius & Civic leader’ Gene Rainbolt dies at 95

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - Gene Rainbolt, born and raised in Norman, Oklahoma, and known as one of Oklahoma banking's most prominent figures, has passed away at age 95.

According to the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS), Gene Rainbolt dedicated the bulk of his career in the banking industry to revolutionizing Oklahoma’s outdated and backward banking systems.

Rainbolt, in his words, staying “loyal to Oklahoma"—his own BancFirst’s slogan—always kept others in focus, whether it was his customers or his own workforce, noted OHS. Investing deeply in his staff’s care, Rainbolt’s banks had the most loyal staff in Oklahoma.

Rainbolt attributes his enduring drive to be a blessing to others, saying, "Be perpetually curious. Curiosity brings vision. Value persistence and have self-confidence that you can take advantage of the change that's in front of us." And I tell them, "You should stay in Oklahoma because you can have more impact here than you can in Texas or a much bigger state."

Gene Rainbolt, Voices of Oklahoma - Oklahoma Historical Society

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond made the following remarks regarding Oklahoma businessman and civic leader Rainbolt saying,

“I am saddened to learn of the death of Gene Rainbolt. One of Oklahoma’s greatest civic leaders, Gene was a proud Oklahoman, through and through—a product of the Dust Bowl who went on to become an innovator in banking, a champion for education and a leading light in philanthropy. His contributions to the state he dearly loved are beyond measure. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. While we grieve his loss, the life of Gene Rainbolt can inspire us all.”

Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt and Sen. Carri Hicks issued the following statements on Thursday mourning the loss of Oklahoma business and civic leader Gene Rainbolt.

“Gene had a tremendous and positive impact on our state. His long-standing work for quality education for all was especially focused on every Oklahoma child having opportunities – that’s key to helping create a more prosperous future. Oklahoma is better for his life and service, and we join his family and loved ones in mourning his passing.” – Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City.

“Gene Rainbolt was my constituent and friend. It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of this visionary leader whose unwavering commitment to Oklahoma City transformed our community and state for the better. His legacy of philanthropy, innovation, and dedication to education will continue to inspire future generations to come.” – Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City.

Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry, a longtime community banker, issued the following statement on the passing of Gene Rainbolt.

“Gene Rainbolt was an Oklahoma icon, a benevolent civic leader and a banking visionary who set a gold standard for so many of us in the industry,” said Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry. “I first met Gene over 30 years ago when I started out as a banker. His work to build the largest state-chartered bank in Oklahoma was truly remarkable. Outside of business, his philanthropy and unwavering commitment to better this state helped transform countless towns and cities where he had bank branches. Gene's absence will be deeply felt in Oklahoma’s banking community and beyond. I’m praying for the Rainbolt family during this difficult time, but I hope Gene’s family and friends find solace in knowing that his legacy will live on in Oklahoma for decades to come.”

In 1999 Rainbolt was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and has received Honorary Doctorates from Oklahoma Baptist University, Oklahoma City University, and Oklahoma Christian University, according to The Oklahoma Hall of Fame.